How to Get Rid of Chiggers on Cats

Chiggers or Trombicula mites, also known as harvest mites, are skin parasites common through the central region of the United States. Chiggers are tiny, the size of the head of a pin, and are reddish orange in colour. They are known to infect and bite people, cats, and dogs, primarily during the spring and fall seasons, often in grassy areas with chalky soils. Fortunately chiggers are easy to treat once diagnosed, so do your feline friend a favour and help stop the itching and stay chigger-free.

Skill level:

Moderate

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Things you need

Lawnmower

Hedge clippers

Magnifying glass

Square of dark-coloured cardboard

Pet-safe pesticides

Chigger treatment as prescribed by a licensed veterinarian

Steroid treatment for itching

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Instructions

Diagnosis and Treatment

1

Examine your cat's ears. Chiggers can usually be seen with the naked eye in cats and dogs, but use a magnifying glass if needed. Chigger mites are often compared to paprika.

2

Take your cat to the veterinarian to make a positive identification of chiggers. The veterinarian may be able to identify the chiggers with the naked eye, or may scrape your cat's ear and examine the sample under a microscope.

3

Follow the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian. Treating chiggers in cats consists of either a two-part pyrethrin-based dip or the application of a topical antiparasite drug like Tresaderm.

4

Request a steroid cream or injection for your cat from the veterinarian to help relieve any itching.

Prevention

1

Keep your cats indoors during fall and spring season when chiggers are most prevalent.

2

Take note of where your cats were when they got chiggers, and keep them away from that area in the future, as chiggers tend to return to the same places every year.